There is an inherent danger to seeing a band multiple times – the music is known, the body language of the band familiar, a sense of comfort, and possibly complacency to slot the experience as ‘pretty good’, but missing the spark and freshness of ‘new’ and ‘exciting’. Such was definitely NOT the case of our show with The Trews in Nelson BC.
Billed as an acoustic in a tiny venue in a tiny town – it was no surprise to see rows of folding chairs flanking the postage stamp size dance floor upon arrival. Not all shows can be loud, sweaty rock shows like the previous night for the band at Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom – boy was I wrong!
From the very first lyric out of singer Colin MacDonald’s mouth, the audience fairly shouted back every word; not surprising since it was ‘Poor Ol’ Broken Hearted Me’ and that killer bass riff from Jack Syperek. Up next another well known fan favourite, ‘Sing Your Heart Out’ and the dance floor was packed to capacity as we all channelled the energy back to the band.
By the time The Trews hit the third song, ‘Paranoid Freak’ and we were all still singing – every damn word perfectly, the band realized this was no acoustic session! They stepped it up a notch with Jeff Heisholt on keys ending the song in a crazy flourish of improvised notes which had guitarist John-Angus and brother Colin fairly laughing in hysterics.
‘I Can’t Stop Laughing’ allowed drummer Chris Gormley (aka The Whiskey Hunter) to really shine on his acoustic drums and rhythm section, and ‘So She’s Leaving’ gave us an extended killer guitar solo from John-Angus MacDonald, while Colin played around in the corners with Jack/Jeff, and Chris.
‘Lovelock’ is a new song from the band’s newest album, The Wanderer, and YES, every word was sung by the crowd! By this time, the band was as sweaty as the crowd and Colin addressed us, saying that The Trews have never played Nelson before, but, “We’re sure going to come back!” which of course elicited cheers and raised glasses, and grins from the band.
Another huge singalong came with ‘Tired of Waiting’.. the band harmonizing to perfection in the extended chorus near the song’s end.. and the audience fairly shouting back every note as Colin encouraged us to sustain the final note for 10x longer than usual (and casting glances at the band as if to say, look at this crazy crowd!)
One of my favourite Trews songs, ‘Under the Sun’ made the set list and allowed us all a brief respite in the middle of the show, and coincidentally ‘Hope and Ruin’ was on the set list next (and on my tee!)
Another new song, ‘Enemy’, this one sung by John-Angus MacDonald (a first!) and I have to say, JA MacDonald has a great voice! ‘Vintage Love’ was next, and if anyone has caught Colin MacDonald’s Facebook/Instagram live stream ‘couch sessions’ over the last 2 yrs of isolation, one knows that he jokes around about having to stand up off the couch to hit the final high note.. he hit the high note and then some! And unconsciously ‘hiked up’ his waist band like he did in his live streams – which had
A moment in time, prayers and hymns, with ‘Yearning’ another of my favourite Trews songs, which I’ve only heard performed live once – so that was a nice surprise!
Jeff Heisholt on the keyboards with that distinctive sound and Colin MacDonald at the mic telling us, “I wanna hear you guys on this one, I’m going to sing, I Wanna Play, and you’re going to say..” and before he could get a word out, we yelled, “I wanna celebrate!” causing the band to laugh, Colin turning fairly pink with pleasure. ‘I Wanna Play’ has fairly been the anthem of the pandemic – it was cathartic and immeasurable fun to sing it back to the band!
‘Highway of Heroes’ gave us a moment to reflect and ponder, and I noticed Colin MacDonald wearing a small felt ‘orange shirt’ pin as well as a beaded one, pinned to his tee.
“I only drink with friends and total strangers,” was the last song of the set – ‘Ishmael and Maggie’ and a resounding ‘kitchen party dance song‘ from The Trews.. what a great way to end an energetic set… but its not over until its over right!? The band did a brief off stage; long enough for the crowd to start chanting “one more song, one more song” The band came back to cheers and whistles and Colin told us, “Just one more. We have a long road to travel, we have to play the tailgate party in Edmonton tomorrow!”
Jeers.
“Well if the Canucks would have won,” he said laughing… to which we all jeered and cheered and laughed. They actually played two songs – ‘The Weight’, with each band member taking a verse on, and of course, ‘Not Ready To Go’.. and we were NOT!
What an incredibly fun, lighthearted, sweaty, energetic, enjoyable experience. The band quipping with each other, Colin embarrassing bassist Jack Syperek a few times telling him to ‘smile Jack‘ and Jack complying with a ‘cheese’ grin, the crowd shocking the shit out of Colin with our exuberance and it showing in his face as he fairly glowed with pleasure.. Jeff Heisholt getting some good improvisational chops and John-Angus with extended guitar solos.. all on a stage barely large enough to hold the band in a town that one would never dream would turn out in full on rock mode! It left me breathless, heart full, and inspired for what live music and a good band can do for one’s soul.
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